Not sure $149 Disney After Hrs event is doing well... (ETA: reviews in 1st post)

[HopperFan]

So that's it, no wait times for rides and attractions most people have done multiple times has this much value to people?

I've said this before but for $600 how about a pic with Walts Frozen Head?

I've lost faith in my fellow man.

Bullseye!

Many of us regulars can get minimal value from this. I'm happy to go to park and ride nothing just watch fireworks. But we aren't "most" and "most" is not Disney's demographic target anymore.

For a variety of reasons for some (say they can't do sunlight long) or were just buying a one day ticket)... but maybe you are a once in 5 years, 10 years or lifetime visitor ... getting virtually all the rides done - many times - could be huge! Busier times it could take some multiple days to try to do this. What is $600 to a family already spending maybe $8000 - $10,000 for a week? Dining tip money.

And I still think Disney is practicing for when this price point will have value for masses - when Avatarland and ToyStory/StarWars Lands open. Maybe even a Frozenland/Soarin combo. Those we haven't done before.

 

[Nancyg56]

So $45,000 revenue for 3 hours extra time? Just a hunch but my guess is it costs more than $15,000 an hour to operate MK.

Even with 1000 tickets sold that's $150,000 revenue and anyone's guess on operating expense each hour.

For an opening night? I would say that if this was the case after all of the dates that have been allocated to this event you would be right. But for the first night of an event that many were skeptical would be "uncrowded" it probably was considered to be successful. Every opening does not need to be a blowout to be worthwhile when it is coupled with a total package. I bet you a buck the next event is really going to be sold out, and no incentive to drive folks in with free tix.

It's too early to judge whether this was a success or not. People were waiting to see reviews. If they advertise this, I think we will see numbers of paid guests go up.

It's not a bad option if you are buying a one-day ticket or are traveling in a smaller group. What we won't see are many families buying this on top of their weeklong tickets but it was never intended for them anyway (versus the early morning Fantasyland package)

I also think this is definitely a test...let's watch and see if one of these pops up for Frozen.

Exactly.

I wholeheartedly agree with the PP who said this isn't targeted for your average multi-day family guests. From the time they first announced it I thought it would an incredible experience IF you only had one day for MK or were celebrating a special occasion. And, I think that's what makes this DIFFERENT from parties and EMH. Parties ARE for families. Will they increase the prices this year? I think we can agree that's a given. But, they don't want to price out the FAMILY because that is the target audience for that event. In the future, will they charge for EMH? If I had to make a bet, I'd say no. But I also imagine they will continue to limit the availability.

I think this is going to be the case as well. EMH will stay. I also think that Disney will plan carefully how they scatter these dates for Magic Hours to allow for the capacity crowds during the holidays when they tend to need to expand park hours. YOu will probably not see these special events on Saturday nights during the Party seasons.

I agree! If I did choose to ever do the MK After Hours, it will most likely be for MYSELF.. I like to take solo trips, so even though I may not be happy with the price, it could be something I'd do solo and have a lot of fun.

I know a lot of people are worried that the MNSSHP and MVMCP's are going to go up drastically because of this event.. like to a $100 a ticket or more. I do not see that happening. Tickets for those go up each year, but only a few dollars. I do not see them increasing the price over $30 this year. I actually enjoy doing the parties solo too.

I agree they will not rise that dramatically. They sell way more tickets to these parties and they do not limit the number of guests to ensure almost walk on attractions.

 

[Hikergirl]

I'm Just saying that of course 8-10% of people buy one day admission and their value calculations are very different from 90-92% of folks who don't visit that way. If I'm interested in getting into a conversation about the pros and cons of an add-on, I need to know a little about the traveler I'm conversing with and see if their points make sense for me.

We have only ever visited WDW for a week or more, but we have taken trips to Orlando and done other things. On many of those trips I wouldn't have hesitated to just run over to MK for the day because when I'm so close I feel like I should. If we didn't have other things planned I definitely would buy a 1 day ticket.

My dd is planning on going to Universal this summer with some friends and she really wants to go to MK for one day, but wasn't sure how she'd fit it in. I plan on getting them tickets to this if its offered when she's there, it takes a little of the stress of fitting it in away. She can still go to Uni during the day and they can head over to MK at night. They are 18, they can handle being up all day and night alot better than I can LOL.

If and when we go back to WDW as a family I think I would purchase these tickets even if we already have a week of multi tickets. I'm the only morning person so we never have gone to RD. My kids are teens, so sleeping in is what they do, and dh too since he's on vacation. We stroll into the parks at 1-2 and stay till closing. With this event we can still enjoy all that we would normally but without the crowds and heat. Plus we can do something else we enjoy before we head over. We would just look at this for what it is, and extra. Its no different than doing the holiday parties or the dessert party. Not something we'd do every night of the trip, but just an extra add on to make the trip different than it usually is.

I hope that helps you get to know a little about how we travel and why we would see this as a good value to us.

 

[jhaig]

Is this event going to be scheduled only during the "busy" times at WDW (spring/summer)? Any chance this event could run in the fall? Would it be even necessary during lower crowd times?

 

[BuckeyeBama]

As I evaluate my future trip options, math plays a key role. I take different types of trips, of different lengths and with different focuses. This would make financial sense on some trips, but not others. But it might make sense for totally different reasons, even if it would drive the cost of my trip up. It might allow me to take a more relaxed approach to my total vacation, knowing that I could get my ride "fix" during this night event. I can find a lot of value in that.

There is a market for things like VIP tours, which cost a lot more than this and deliver a lot less if the person interested in the VIP tour is so interested for the rides. People who visit WDW have different means and different value propositions. Looks like Disney is trying to tap into a market that it thinks it has not met. Time will tell if this meets that market demand or not.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

Is this event going to be scheduled only during the "busy" times at WDW (spring/summer)? Any chance this event could run in the fall? Would it be even necessary during lower crowd times?

I wouldn't pay for this the week after Labor Day - not necessary at all. But there are few times of the year with crowds that low anymore.

 

[tlmadden73]

A few places were reporting that the number actual paid for tickets was about 300. That's pretty bad.

I suspect this will either drop in price or be cancelled altogether.

If it was the first night, you have to expect low numbers .. thus the free giveaway to DVC members. With how short of time between announcement and this first date, I am wondering what sort of turnout they were actually expecting.

Plus .. it is also setting a PRICE POINT that they can discount later so it feels like a deal.
Just like how Club Villain is "discounted" to DVC and Annual Pass members.

 

[Robo]

Is this event going to be scheduled only during the "busy" times at WDW (spring/summer)? Any chance this event could run in the fall? Would it be even necessary during lower crowd times?

I am being perfectly serious when I ask...
WHAT "lower crowd times" are left at WDW?
And, just how "lower" are they, anymore?

(I know when they USED to be. I've been around for quite awhile.)

 

[FeralCatRogue]

Ok, good, it's not just me then.

Creepy - that's what I thought when I saw the pictures of the dark, empty areas of the park.

I'd be too reminded of Silent Hill...On the other hand that might make it more fun! Mickey instead of Rob the Rabbit.

Its interesting to see how they were actually able to clear the park and check wristbands whereas they have such issues with that on some party nights.

 

[Nancyg56]

Bullseye!

Many of us regulars can get minimal value from this. I'm happy to go to park and ride nothing just watch fireworks. But we aren't "most" and "most" is not Disney's demographic target anymore.

For a variety of reasons for some (say they can't do sunlight long) or were just buying a one day ticket)... but maybe you are a once in 5 years, 10 years or lifetime visitor ... getting virtually all the rides done - many times - could be huge! Busier times it could take some multiple days to try to do this. What is $600 to a family already spending maybe $8000 - $10,000 for a week? Dining tip money.

And I still think Disney is practicing for when this price point will have value for masses - when Avatarland and ToyStory/StarWars Lands open. Maybe even a Frozenland/Soarin combo. Those we haven't done before.

I don't know. I found the comment to be kind of snippy. In this group we have a lot of folks who go often and who hit the same attractions time and again. WE pay for that, and depending on how long we stay some pay more than others, but we all pay for the ability to walk through those same gates each time and to go on those same attractions one more time. We all have our priorities when we vacation, and I know I tend to go slower now than ever, and I never was a max it out guest. For whatever reason some people find value in this, the poster you quoted was kind of out of line in my opinion. Every day Disney adults deal with those same condescending questions, while folks look down their noses because we go to the same place, one that many still think is for kids, yearly or several times a year. It's not okay.

I will say that you and I are on the same page when it comes to how Disney will use the data from these events moving forward, and depending on people's interests, their time available for vacations, and their patience for standing in lines, every one you mentioned has the potential to be a value for guests, and a success for DIsney.

 

[SureAsLiz]

Many of us regulars can get minimal value from this. I'm happy to go to park and ride nothing just watch fireworks. But we aren't "most" and "most" is not Disney's demographic target anymore.

I've been thinking about this, but I almost feel that as a local this does actually appeal to me (not enough to pay, but I see the appeal)

Because I have been on the rides so many times, I pretty much refuse to wait more than 10 minutes now. If the waits are too long, I leave.
But if I could ride all the rides I want with my ideal wait times in the same night, then it could very well be worth it.

 

[Robo]

Its interesting to see how they were actually able to clear the park and check wristbands whereas they have such issues with that on some party nights.

The principle contributing factor in this is the very low crowd level being discussed.

 

[Nancyg56]

I am being perfectly serious when I ask...
WHAT "lower crowd times" are left at WDW?
And, just how "lower" are they, anymore?

(I know when they USED to be. I've been around for quite awhile.)

I remember when October was never crowded, and no matter the day, attractions were practically walk on. This really was not too long ago, but 18 months ago WOW! I was blindsided by how busy the MK was in eh evening, on non party nights, and how crowded WS in Epcot was every day and evening we were there. I do think that even "low" crowds are not equal to pretty empty parks any more.

 

[Robo]

I remember when October was never crowded, and no matter the day, attractions were practically walk on. This really was not too long ago, but 18 months ago WOW! I was blindsided by how busy the MK was in eh evening, on non party nights, and how crowded WS in Epcot was every day and evening we were there. I do think that even "low" crowds are not equal to pretty empty parks any more.

Bingo!

 

[SureAsLiz]

I am being perfectly serious when I ask...
WHAT "lower crowd times" are left at WDW?
And, just how "lower" are they, anymore?

(I know when they USED to be. I've been around for quite awhile.)

Right now.

The crowds last night were extremely low, and most rides were walk on throughout the evening

I don't know how it used to be back in the good ol' days that everyone laments about, but based on my knowledge from the past 16 months it was pretty great

 

[jknc]

I found the comment to be kind of snippy. For whatever reason some people find value in this, the poster you quoted was kind of out of line in my opinion.

Thank you.

 

[SureAsLiz]

Its interesting to see how they were actually able to clear the park and check wristbands whereas they have such issues with that on some party nights.

But they didn't clear the park of non-credentialed guests, at least not at 11:45

I was able to freely roam the park as a regular guest - the only thing I couldn't do was enter the rides or Caseys

 

[Robo]

Right now.

The crowds last night were extremely low, and most rides were walk on throughout the evening

I don't know how it used to be back in the good ol' days that everyone laments about, but based on my knowledge from the past 16 months it was pretty great

Good to know.
Hope springs eternal.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

First we got:
1. It is too expensive, there is no way anyone would pay that.
2. Disney will make it so crowded, that you will wait and wait for just one ride.
3. Free treats? They mean a cookie and a sip of soda.
4. Disney will make too many tickets available and there will be too many people there

Reports showed
1. People paid and were there
2. Rides were walk on
3. They handed out full size ice cream treats and full size bottles of Coke products
4. The park felt empty

So we heard
1. Seems that no paid, everyone got in for free. (There may have been many free tickets offered, but no one knows how many were given)
2. It was already a short wait time (Short is very different than rides being walk on)
3. How many do they have to hand out until someone gets sick (Boy people are really digging deep)
4. Having lots of people around is part of the experience. An empty park is creepy. (Again, boy, are people digging)

Then the icing on the cake, when someone said that they might actually buy tickets to this event . . . . . . . you, you, you Disney apologist.

Sound about right?

 

[jknc]

First we got:
1. It is too expensive, there is no way anyone would pay that.
2. Disney will make it so crowded, that you will wait and wait for just one ride.
3. Free treats? They mean a cookie and a sip of soda.
4. Disney will make too many tickets available and there will be too many people there

Reports showed
1. People paid and were there
2. Rides were walk on
3. They handed out full size ice cream treats and full size bottles of Coke products
4. The park felt empty

So we heard
1. Seems that no paid, everyone got in for free. (There may have been many free tickets offered, but no one knows how many were given)
2. It was already a short wait time (Short is very different than rides being walk on)
3. How many do they have to hand out until someone gets sick (Boy people are really digging deep)
4. Having lots of people around is part of the experience. An empty park is creepy. (Again, boy, are people digging)

Then the icing on the cake, when someone said that they might actually buy tickets to this event . . . . . . . you, you, you Disney apologist.

Sound about right?